Monthly Archives: November 2014

I’m happy to advertise the publication of For the Healing of the Nations, a conference volume edited by Brad Littlejohn and Peter Escalante, published by the Davenant Trust. The book features excellent essays by James Bratt on Abraham Kuyper’s political theology and legacy, as well as essays by several other scholars on themes ranging from Christian Reconstructionism to Calvin’s theology of resistance, from Reformed two kingdoms theology to the problems with radical Van Tilian presuppositionalism.

Chapter 4 is an essay by me exploring Calvin’s doctrine of the kingdom of God and its restoration of the world. Calvin’s discussion of the kingdom of God involves an important paradox. On the one hand, he argues, the kingdom of Christ brings about the restoration of the material world. On the other hand, the kingdom of Christ is spiritual.

As I argue in the chapter, Calvin’s explanation of this paradox, and its implications for the church and for politics, only makes sense in light of his two kingdoms theology. To find out more, buy the book!

Here is a complete table of contents:

IntroductionPeter Escalante

vii

1

Abraham Kuyper: A Compact IntroductionDr. James D. Bratt

1

2

Sphere Sovereignty among Abraham Kuyper’s Other Political TheoriesDr. James D. Bratt

21

3

And Zeus Shall Have No Dominion, or, How, When, Where, and Why to “Plunder the Egyptians”: The Case of JeromeDr. E. J. Hutchinson

49

4

“The Kingdom of Christ is Spiritual”: John Calvin’s Concept of the Restoration of the WorldDr. Matthew J. Tuininga

81

5

Participating in Political Providence: The Theological Foundations of Resistance in CalvinAndrew Fulford